bargain bamboo

Finding worthy products for price-conscious custom homes is a tough gig. But if you love the hunt like we do, it's bound to reward everyone involved. Yes, your products must prove penny-wise, but they can't look cheap or perform poorly. They must withstand the rigors of everyday life at least as well as their more precious counterparts.

Admittedly, cheap is in the eye of the budget holder, but we think the collection on the following pages is a bargain at twice the price.

Ikea's Kvist bamboo flooring is gentle on the planet and the pocketbook, at just $2.88 per square foot. The 5-inch-wide planks install over most types of materials, from raw concrete to existing finished floors, and can be re-sanded twice. They're available in natural bamboo or with a light brown finish. Ikea, 800.434.4532; www.ikea.com.